Dashboard controls to manipulate visual data

ABSTRACT

A system (and corresponding methodology) by which a user can interact directly with visual data is provided. The system employs associations and relationships between visual data objects to automatically update objects based upon a change in other objects. The innovation also provides specialized controls (e.g., dashboard tools/controls) that facilitate manipulation of visual data. As there can be numerous manners in which a user can interact with visualization data, the innovation enables a specialized set of controls to be identified and provided to a user thereby reducing overwhelming effects of a large number of controls.

BACKGROUND

A computer dashboard or ‘dashboard’ generally, refers to a personalizeddesktop portal that enables a user to easily set preferences andpolicies with respect to display of and access to information andapplications. A typical dashboard can display items of interest such asstock quotes, email message quotas, calendar entries/appointments,clocks, tasks, traffic information, access to favorite news feeds, etc.Oftentimes ‘widgets’ are used to display the personalized items upon adashboard.

In computer programming, a widget (or control) refers to an element of agraphical user interface (GUI) that facilitates display of aninformation arrangement customizable or changeable by the user. Onedefining characteristic of a widget is the ability to provide a singlespecialized GUI for direct manipulation of or access to a given type ofdata (e.g., email, calendar, weather). Widgets are often described asbasic visual building blocks which, when combined in an application,hold the data processed by an application and the available interactionsrelated to the specific data.

Essentially, in information technology, a ‘dashboard’ is often describedas a GUI that, somewhat resembling an automobile's dashboard, organizesand presents information in a manner that is easy to interpret. However,unlike an automobile's dashboard, a computer-based dashboard is morelikely to be interactive and thus easily tailored to a user'spreferences. In other words, users are able to integrate personalizedinformation upon their dashboard for easy access.

Today, some computer products that attempt to integrate information frommultiple components into a unified display often refer to their displaysas ‘dashboards.’ For example, a product that obtains information fromthe local operating system in a computer, from one or more resident orremote applications, and from one or more remote sites via the Internetmay present the collaborated information as though it originates from asingle source. As described above, this is often referred to as a‘dashboard’ view of the data.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the innovation in orderto provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the innovation. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the innovation. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the innovation or todelineate the scope of the innovation. Its sole purpose is to presentsome concepts of the innovation in a simplified form as a prelude to themore detailed description that is presented later.

The innovation disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof,comprises a mechanism by which a user can interact with visual data.Essentially, the innovation provides specialized dashboard-like controlsthat facilitate manipulation of visual data. As there can be numerousmanners in which a user can interact with visualization data, presentingthe user with all the various controls available can be both distractingand overwhelming for many users. This innovation provides “changepoints” or “hot points” in the data that can be monitored andmanipulated, by a dashboard-like mechanism, thereby enhancing theuser-friendliness of the interaction tools.

In an aspect, visualization can be provided to illustrate how a changeto one data element will influence other data elements. For example, auser can hover a mouse or pointer over a data element to ask thequestion, “If I change this, what else will change?” Additionally oralternatively, hovering over a data element can provide an indication ofwhat elements, if changed, will have an impact on the selected dataelement.

In still other aspects, tools utilized to navigate the dashboard andmanipulate the desired content from the data can also be personalizedand provided. In an aspect, the dashboard can include the most importantor most widely used controls while allowing lesser known controls to beavailable if a user desires to utilize those controls. Consolidation oraggregation of controls can be effected manually or automatically, forexample, based upon explicit selection or implicit inference.

In yet another aspect thereof, an artificial intelligence (or machinelearning & reasoning) component can be provided that employs aprobabilistic and/or statistical-based analysis to prognose or infer anaction that a user desires to be automatically performed.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles of the innovation can be employed and thesubject innovation is intended to include all such aspects and theirequivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the innovation willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of theinnovation when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example block diagram of a system that enables auser to comprehensively and intelligently manipulate visual data upon adisplay.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example flow chart of procedures that facilitatepresenting dashboard controls in accordance with an aspect of theinnovation.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a system that triggersobject relationships by way of visual data manipulation.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example block diagram of a manipulation componentin accordance with an aspect of the innovation.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example block diagram of a configuration componentin accordance with an aspect of the innovation.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative example block diagram of aconfiguration component in accordance with an aspect of the innovation.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example model generation component in accordancewith an aspect of the innovation.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example manipulation model component in accordancewith an aspect of the innovation.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example visual rendering of a global distributionnetwork in accordance with an aspect of the innovation.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example block diagram of a system that renders adashboard in accordance with an aspect of the innovation.

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable to executethe disclosed architecture.

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computingenvironment in accordance with the subject innovation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however,that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in blockdiagram form in order to facilitate describing the innovation.

As used in this application, the terms “component” and “system” areintended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, acombination of hardware and software, software, or software inexecution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to being,a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable,a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way ofillustration, both an application running on a server and the server canbe a component. One or more components can reside within a processand/or thread of execution, and a component can be localized on onecomputer and/or distributed between two or more computers.

As used herein, the term to “infer” or “inference” refer generally tothe process of reasoning about or inferring states of the system,environment, and/or user from a set of observations as captured viaevents and/or data. Inference can be employed to identify a specificcontext or action, or can generate a probability distribution overstates, for example. The inference can be probabilistic—that is, thecomputation of a probability distribution over states of interest basedon a consideration of data and events. Inference can also refer totechniques employed for composing higher-level events from a set ofevents and/or data. Such inference results in the construction of newevents or actions from a set of observed events and/or stored eventdata, whether or not the events are correlated in close temporalproximity, and whether the events and data come from one or severalevent and data sources.

While certain ways of displaying information to users are shown anddescribed with respect to certain figures as screenshots, those skilledin the relevant art will recognize that various other alternatives canbe employed. The terms “screen,” “web page,” and “page” are generallyused interchangeably herein. The pages or screens are stored and/ortransmitted as display descriptions, as graphical user interfaces, or byother methods of depicting information on a screen (whether personalcomputer, PDA, mobile telephone, or other suitable device, for example)where the layout and information or content to be displayed on the pageis stored in memory, database, or another storage facility.

The innovation as disclosed and claimed herein discloses a visual datamanipulation system that can present a user with a comprehensive set ofcontrols based upon most any criteria including but, not limited to,data type, application type, inference, preference, policy or the like.As will be understood, there can be numerous manners in which a user caninteract with visualization data however, presenting the user with allthe various controls available can be both distracting and overwhelmingfor many users.

In an aspect, the innovation can provide “change points” or “hot points”in the data that can be monitored and manipulated, e.g., by adashboard-type display or some other suitable mechanism. Thus, inaspects, visualization can be provided to illustrate how a change to onedata element will influence other data elements. For example, a user canhover a mouse, pointer, or other navigation device over a data elementto ask the question, “If I change this, what else will change? Inresponse, the system can identify which data elements will change and,in embodiments, how and in what ways the change will occur. It is to beunderstood that other mechanisms such as, but not limited to, gestures,speech, or the like can be employed to select objects or areas withinthe visual representation. These alternative aspects are to be includedwithin the scope of the innovation and claims appended hereto.

Additionally or alternatively, hovering over a data element can providean indication of what elements, if changed, will have an impact on theselected data element. A comprehensive set of tools utilized to navigatethe dashboard and manipulate the desired content from the data can alsobe provided. In other words, the dashboard can include the mostappropriate or widely used controls while allowing lesser known controlsto be available if a user desires to utilize those controls. These andother features, functions and benefits of the innovation will bedescribed upon a review of the figures that follow.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates system 100having a visual data manipulation system 102 that enables a user tocomprehensively and intelligently manipulate visual data upon a display.While many examples described herein are directed to data manipulationupon a desktop or personal computer (PC), it is to be understood thatthe innovation can be employed upon most any device capable of renderingvisual data, for example, personal digital assistants, smartphones, cellphones, pocket computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, or thelike. Additionally, while specific examples of implementations of thetechnology are shown below, it is to be understood that countlessexamples exist that that employ the features, functions and benefits ofthe innovation and are to be included within the scope of thisdisclosure and claims appended hereto.

One example implementation of the visual data manipulation system 102 isrelated to business workflow modeling. In one particular example, theinnovation can be employed to illustrate effect(s) upon a global salesand product distribution workflow as a function of a change in acharacteristic or parameter. For example, a visual rendering can beprovided of sales workflow, e.g., including customers, sales force,factories, and distribution channels. In accordance with the innovation,a user can hover upon (or otherwise select) an object in a displaythereby triggering an indication of which other objects upon the displaywill be affected by a modification to the originally selected object.This and other examples will be better understood upon a review of thefigures that follow.

Referring again to FIG. 1, generally, system 100 can include a visualdata manipulation component 102 that can access data from a variety ofsources and/or stores and thereafter display the information upon adashboard in accordance with a model. As shown, manipulation component102 can include a data management component 104 and a manipulation modelcomponent 106 that together enable a user to selectively modify objectsupon a visual rendering thereby automatically adjusting other objectswithin the rendering.

In operation, the data management component 104 enables a model (e.g.,manipulation model component 106) to be established by which objects(e.g., visual data) can be modified and updated based upon a change madeto an associated object within a visual rendering. In other words, themanipulation model component 106 can include rules and otherrelationships by which objects can be updated. The rules andrelationships define how and to what extent the objects should beupdated and/or modified as a function of an original object.

In addition to defining how and to what extent objects should be updatedand/or modified, the manipulation model component 106 also enables a setof tools or dashboard controls to be displayed which facilitateefficient and comprehensive manipulation of visual data. Here, the datamanagement component 104 can be employed to automatically establishrules and/or parameters by which controls can be selected based uponmost any factor including but, not limited to, data type, device,context, user identity, theme, etc. Additionally, the data managementcomponent 104 enables manual control selection based upon a userpreference or policy. In either instance, the manipulation modelcomponent 106 can be employed to define the set of controls for aparticular rendering, type of rendering, theme of rendering, etc.

For example, a set of controls for manipulation of a global salesworkflow may be different from that of an election district rendering.For instance, the global sales workflow may include tools that enableproduct selection, distribution channel creation/deletion, etc. On theother hand, an election district rendering may include tools by which auser can select and drag a boundary to increase or decrease a region,thereby automatically manipulating the visual data rendering based upona model (e.g., 106). While specific examples are described, it is to beunderstood that these examples are included to add perspective to theinnovation and are not intended to limit the innovation in any manner.

FIG. 2 illustrates a methodology of presenting dashboard controls tofacilitate manipulation of visual data in accordance with an aspect ofthe innovation. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, theone or more methodologies shown herein, e.g., in the form of a flowchart, are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to beunderstood and appreciated that the subject innovation is not limited bythe order of acts, as some acts may, in accordance with the innovation,occur in a different order and/or concurrently with other acts from thatshown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art willunderstand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively berepresented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in astate diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required toimplement a methodology in accordance with the innovation.

At 202, data is received, for example, data that represents a globalsales workflow is received. The data is configured for rendering at 204.Here, it is to be understood that display device criteria can beconsidered when configuring the data for presentation. By way ofexample, display criteria can be employed to configure data for displayupon a PDA or smartphone. It will be understood that rendering upon aPDA or smartphone can require graphics resizing, among othermodifications to efficiently utilize limited screen real estate as wellas processing and memory availability.

Applicable or appropriate controls can be determined at 206. Here,applicable modification controls can be identified based upon most anyfactor, including but, not limited to, data type, theme, display device,context, user identity, etc. The data with applicable controls can bedisplayed at 208. Essentially, the methodology of FIG. 2 describes aflow of rendering a set of applicable controls that can be used modifyvisual data. For instance, the controls can include object selectionmechanisms, object resizing mechanisms, object generation/modificationor deletion mechanisms, or the like.

As described above, users can interact with visual data in virtuallycountless ways. As it can be overwhelming to present a user with allcontrols possible to manipulate visual data, the methodology of FIG. 2describes a high-level methodology whereby a focused set of controls canbe provided to the user based upon factors such as data type, devicecontext, user context, user identity or the like.

Continuing with the aforementioned example of a sales network rendering,the rendered data can be displayed in the form of individual components.For instance, customers, salesperson, factories, distributors, etc. canbe displayed as individual components of the overall network. In otheraspects, salespersons and corresponding geographic salesterritory/responsibility can be displayed with corresponding salesforecast revenue and historical volume. In this example, controls can beprovided that enable a user to click/drag a sales boundary to increaseand/or decrease the size of a region.

In response to the resizing of a region, the visual data canautomatically modify other aspects of the visual data which are affectedby the modification of a disparate aspect. For instance, a salesperson'ssales forecast or volume can be modified by an expansion or contractionof a particular geographic region. Essentially, the innovation canenable modeling, e.g., problem modeling, of data using graphicalcontrols rather than requiring a user to explicitly enter data to‘solve’ equations as conventionally employed by many conventionalapplications (e.g., spreadsheet applications).

In other words, in accordance with this example aspect, data maintainedin a database or spreadsheet can be graphically displayed andmanipulated via a visual rendering thereby dynamically adjusting to achange in data. As described above, rather than requiring a user toenter data into the database or spreadsheet to manipulate the data, theinnovation enables users to employ controls by which data can begraphically manipulated (e.g., modify geographic area of a salesterritory). As a result, other objects can be automatically updated toreflect the change. In this example, increasing the size of a salesterritory may identify a need for additional salespeople, distributors,etc. to service the expanded size of the region.

As will be understood, the examples of the features, functions andbenefits of the innovation are countless. Essentially, the innovationcan be employed upon most any data having multiple pivots or dimensions.Another example of the innovation would be in relation to votingdistricts and redistricting of the same. As will be understood,modification of (e.g., consolidation, reduction, expansion) districtswould most likely affect support to a candidate or issue on a ballot.

In addition to dynamically altering objects based upon a change ormodification, the innovation also enables regression and causationanalysis to be conveyed to a user prior to modification. In one example,a user can use a mouse, pointer or other navigation (or selection)device to identify, e.g., hover above an object. Accordingly, theinnovation can reveal affect(s) upon other objects based upon theselected object. Effectively, the innovation can reveal which objectswill be affected by a modification to a selected object. Additionally,the innovation can convey the extent that a modification of an objectcan have on other objects. Accordingly, the innovation can be employedto identify which objects control or otherwise affect a particularobject. As will be understood, the knowledge conveyed by the innovationcan be valuable in increasing the efficiency of visual datamanipulation.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an example alternative block diagram of system100 is shown. Generally, the data management component 102 can include amanipulation component 302 and a configuration component 304. Together,these subcomponents (302, 304) facilitate automatic readjustment ofvisual objects based upon a modification of a single object. As afeature of the innovation, the manipulation component 302 allows a userto modify visual data using on-screen tools or controls.

As shown, the visual data manipulation system 102 enables data andinformation to be gathered from a variety of local and/or remote sourcesand stores. This information can be configured by way of theconfiguration component 304 for display upon a dashboard as indicated.As described above, the configuration component 304 can arrange databased upon most any factor including, but not limited to, data type,device context, user context, user identity, etc.

Once arranged and rendered, the manipulation component 302 can provideaccess to tools and controls to modify or otherwise manipulate therendering. In operation, the manipulation component 302 can identifyassociations and relationships between visually rendered objects suchthat the rendering becomes interactive. In other words, when one objectis selected or modified, the manipulation component 302 together withthe configuration component 304 can dynamically adjust appropriateobjects to compensate for or take into account the change(s).Additionally, the manipulation component 302 can perform apre-modification analysis to identify a set or subset of objects thatwill be affected by a modification of a particular object or group ofobjects.

Still further, the manipulation component 302 enables generation of themanipulation model component 106. As described herein, the modelcomponent 106 defines associations and relationships between data,disparate objects or groups of objects. Thus, upon a selection ormodification, the model component 106 can define (e.g., based uponrules) which objects will (or should) be affected as well as themagnitude of the modification.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example block diagram of a manipulation component302 in accordance with an aspect of the innovation. As shown, themanipulation component 302 can include an analysis component 402, amodel access component 404 and a control selection component 406. Inoperation, the analysis component 402 can establish data (or object)relationships and thereafter convey information to the model accesscomponent 404 such that an appropriate manipulation model can beretrieved.

Similarly, the analysis component 402 can identify a set or subset ofcontrols which can be used to manipulate the data upon the visualrendering (e.g., dashboard). Here, the control selection component 406can be used to identify or select a set of controls based uponinformation provided from the analysis component 402. As describedabove, the innovation provides for controls to be selected based upondata type, user preference, device context or the like. It will beunderstood that this functionality alleviates overwhelming the user withunnecessary or undesired controls. In other examples, the controlselection component 406 can infer a set of controls based upon a userpreference, previous selection, data type or the like.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an example block diagram of a configurationcomponent 304 is shown. As illustrated, the configuration component 304can include a model generation component 502 and a rendering component504. Features, functions and benefits of these subcomponents will bedescribed below and with reference to the figures that follow.

The model generation component 502 facilitates creation of a datamanipulation model (e.g., 106 of FIG. 1). It is to be understood thatthe model can essentially include ‘what if’ type rules based upondisparate scenarios. Additionally, the model can define, ‘if’ aparticular object is modified, ‘then’ modify a defined set of objectsbased upon defined criteria. These rules and criteria can be manually orautomatically selected by (or on behalf of) a user.

The rendering component 504 can facilitate actual rendering of thevisual data upon a presentation device. For example, the renderingcomponent 504 can format, organize or generate a layout of the data forpresentation upon a device such as a PC, smartphone, cell phone, laptopor the like. Additionally, the rendering component 504 can dynamicallyupdate the visual data based upon a change of one or more of the objectsupon the display.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another alternative example block diagram of aconfiguration component 302. More particularly, the alternative diagramillustrates that the model generation component 502 can include animplicit generator component 602 and/or an explicit generator component604. Additionally, as shown, the rendering component 504 can include adashboard component 606 that facilitates presenting the visual data aswell as applicable controls upon a display.

As described above, the model can be automatically (implicitly) ormanually (explicitly) generated. For example, based upon the type ofdata, artificial intelligence (AI) mechanisms can be employed toautomatically establish relationships between data objects. On the otherhand, a user can manually link or otherwise associate visual objects bygenerating rules that define the association(s). Based upon these rules,objects can be automatically adjusted or otherwise altered based uponmodifications or manipulations to other objects.

The dashboard component 606 can be employed to generate the visualrepresentation of the data as well as to convey relationshipinformation. For instance, by hovering upon an object, the dashboardcomponent 606 can be used to convey relationship information. In otherwords, hovering atop an object can launch indication of which othervisual objects are associated with the hovered upon object. Thus, thisindication prompts a user with regard to which objects will be affectedby manipulation of an object.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example model generation component 502 wherein theimplicit generator component 602 includes an inference engine 702 (e.g.,AI) and the explicit generator component 604 includes a user interface704 which facilities user-generated rules and/or associations. Inaccordance with the innovation, the model can include an implementationscheme (e.g., rule) which can be applied to define objects to modify aswell as to what extent to modify the object(s). It will be appreciatedthat this rule-based model can be automatically and/or manually defined.In response thereto, the rule-based implementation can select objectsincluded within the rendering or presentation by employing a predefinedand/or set of programmed rule(s) based upon any desired criteria (e.g.,file type, modification type, device context, user identity).

The inference engine 702 facilitates automating one or more features inaccordance with the subject innovation. The subject innovation (e.g., inconnection with object selection for modification, tool/controlselection for rendering) can employ various AI-based schemes forcarrying out various aspects thereof. For example, a process fordetermining when, if and how an object should be modified can befacilitated via an automatic classifier system and process.

In one aspect, a classifier is a function that maps an input attributevector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, xn), to a confidence that the input belongsto a class, that is, f(x)=confidence(class). Such classification canemploy a probabilistic and/or statistical-based analysis (e.g.,factoring into the analysis utilities and costs) to prognose or infer anaction that a user desires to be automatically performed.

A support vector machine (SVM) is an example of a classifier that can beemployed. The SVM operates by finding a hypersurface in the space ofpossible inputs, which the hypersurface attempts to split the triggeringcriteria from the non-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes theclassification correct for testing data that is near, but not identicalto training data. Other directed and undirected model classificationapproaches include, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decisiontrees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilisticclassification models providing different patterns of independence canbe employed. Classification as used herein also is inclusive ofstatistical regression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated from the subject specification, thesubject innovation can employ classifiers that are explicitly trained(e.g., via a generic training data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g.,via observing user behavior, receiving extrinsic information). Forexample, SVM's are configured via a learning or training phase within aclassifier constructor and feature selection module. Thus, theclassifier(s) can be used to automatically learn and perform a number offunctions, including but not limited to determining according to apredetermined criteria when, if, or how an object should be modified,which tools/controls should be displayed based upon a user identity,device context, data type, etc.

An exemplary manipulation model component 106 is shown in FIG. 8.Essentially, the model component 106 can include 1 to M controlidentifiers 802 as well as 1 to N rules 804, where M and N are integers.As described supra, these control identifiers and rules (802, 804)define associations and relationships with and between visual dataobjects. In other words, the control identifiers 802 can be linked to aparticular data type such that the control is launched in connectionwith a particular data type. Similarly, controls can be launched basedupon user identity, device context or the like as preferred, inferred orotherwise defined/determined.

The rules 804 can define the ‘what if’ or ‘if . . . then’ scenariosrelated to data objects. In other words, in one aspect, the rule cananswer the question, “what if this object is changed” (e.g., “what willchange if this object is changed?”) In another scenario, the rule 804can define, “if this object is changed, then change . . . ”Additionally, the rule 804 can define how to change other objects basedupon a change of a selected object. Thus, there are at least twoscenarios addressed by the rules 804. First, the rule 804 can notify auser of the extent of impact a modification to an object will have(e.g., pre-modification). Secondly, the rule 804 can react to a changeof an object by defining the impact in order to effect modification(e.g., post-modification).

While an example model component 106 is shown in FIG. 8, it is to beunderstood that the model can be of most any suitable format known inthe art. In one example, the model 106 can be a spreadsheet file whichinterrelates cells of the sheet thereby defining relationships. In otheraspects, a database file, metatags, etc. can be employed to interrelatedata and objects. These aspects are to be included within the scope ofthis disclosure and claims appended hereto.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example global distribution rendering 900 inaccordance with an aspect of the innovation. It is to be understood thatthis rendering is provided to add perspective to the innovation and notintended to limit the innovation in any manner. Rather, the example isprovided to illustrate the interrelation of objects within a visualrendering. Essentially, the rendering illustrates relationships betweencustomers, salespersons, factories, and distributors within a globaldistribution network.

In operation, this visual rendering can be provided to a user via adashboard component (e.g., 1002 of FIG. 10). Essentially, a user canemploy a control or tool to modify a visual rendering of the system.Once modified, the visual data manipulation system 102 can be employedto automatically update the visual display (e.g., dashboard).Additionally, as shown, data can be located and accessed from a varietyof local and/or remote sources and stores. It is to be understood thatthese data sources can be defined within or outside of the model 106.

Referring again to FIG. 9, the example visual rendering 900 describes asupply chain that spans the world. Essentially, the supply chainincludes manufacturing sites, warehouses/distributors, customers, andsalespeople. By modifying the visual rendering 900, the underlying datacan be altered thereby modifying other objects within the rendering asappropriate, for example, in accordance with a model.

To illustrate this interrelation, suppose a user merges distributorswithin the global network. Here, the size, color or other indicator ofother objects can be modified to illustrate potential problems (e.g.,overload or under-utilization of resources). In another example,addition of more customers in a sales region could trigger a need foradditional salespeople to effectively service the demand. In thisexample, the system can automatically illustrate additional salespeoplein the region thereby alerting a user of the potential need to addmanpower. Visual cues can be conveyed by way of the dashboard such thata user can be alerted of a scenario or impact by way of a rule orinference.

In another example, hovering above the customer base can indicate thatthe sales region, number of salespeople and potential location or numberof distributors will be affected by a change in customer base.Similarly, a reduction or increase of customer base can affectthroughput or output of a factory. In a specific example, if thecustomer base is drastically reduced, a factory may need to downsize orpossibly cease operation entirely, leading to job loss, etc.Essentially, the innovation describes mechanisms by which impact uponelements can be defined through visual manipulation.

Overall, the innovation enables data to be created without actuallytyping the data itself. Rather, visual manipulation (e.g., defining orchanging visual objects, expanding or reducing a region, etc.) candefine data. Thus, data can be modified by way of visual modificationrather than by explicit typing or entering of data.

Additionally, as described above, the innovation provides acomprehensive means for simulating ‘what if’ scenarios. In eitherinstance, a data model can be used to drive consequences to tweak and/orillustrate impact of a change of an object. Business rules can beimplemented to illustrate or effect a change to an object upon otherobjects. By monitoring ‘what if’ scenarios, change can be predictedprior to an actual situation. Thus, reaction can be planned and impactof a change can be expected.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputer operable to execute the disclosed architecture. In order toprovide additional context for various aspects of the subjectinnovation, FIG. 11 and the following discussion are intended to providea brief, general description of a suitable computing environment 1100 inwhich the various aspects of the innovation can be implemented. Whilethe innovation has been described above in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions that may run on one or more computers,those skilled in the art will recognize that the innovation also can beimplemented in combination with other program modules and/or as acombination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the innovation may also be practiced indistributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

A computer typically includes a variety of computer-readable media.Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby the computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media,removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatileand nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such ascomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM,ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium which can be used to store the desired informationand which can be accessed by the computer.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the anyof the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

With reference again to FIG. 11, the exemplary environment 1100 forimplementing various aspects of the innovation includes a computer 1102,the computer 1102 including a processing unit 1104, a system memory 1106and a system bus 1108. The system bus 1108 couples system componentsincluding, but not limited to, the system memory 1106 to the processingunit 1104. The processing unit 1104 can be any of various commerciallyavailable processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processorarchitectures may also be employed as the processing unit 1104.

The system bus 1108 can be any of several types of bus structure thatmay further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1106includes read-only memory (ROM) 1110 and random access memory (RAM)1112. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatilememory 1110 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within thecomputer 1102, such as during start-up. The RAM 1112 can also include ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1102 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1114 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1114 may also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1116, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 1118) and an optical disk drive 1120, (e.g., readinga CD-ROM disk 1122 or, to read from or write to other high capacityoptical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1114, magnetic diskdrive 1116 and optical disk drive 1120 can be connected to the systembus 1108 by a hard disk drive interface 1124, a magnetic disk driveinterface 1126 and an optical drive interface 1128, respectively. Theinterface 1124 for external drive implementations includes at least oneor both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interfacetechnologies. Other external drive connection technologies are withincontemplation of the subject innovation.

The drives and their associated computer-readable media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1102, the drives and mediaaccommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to aHDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media suchas a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other types of media which are readable by a computer, such as zipdrives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and thelike, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment, andfurther, that any such media may contain computer-executableinstructions for performing the methods of the innovation.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1112,including an operating system 1130, one or more application programs1132, other program modules 1134 and program data 1136. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1112. It is appreciated that the innovation can beimplemented with various commercially available operating systems orcombinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1102 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1138 and apointing device, such as a mouse 1140. Other input devices (not shown)may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad,a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devicesare often connected to the processing unit 1104 through an input deviceinterface 1142 that is coupled to the system bus 1108, but can beconnected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 1144 or other type of display device is also connected to thesystem bus 1108 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1146. Inaddition to the monitor 1144, a computer typically includes otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 1102 may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1148. The remotecomputer(s) 1148 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer1102, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device1150 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted includewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1152 and/orlarger networks, e.g. a wide area network (WAN) 1154. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich may connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1102 isconnected to the local network 1152 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1156. The adapter 1156 mayfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1152, which mayalso include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicatingwith the wireless adapter 1156.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1102 can includea modem 1158, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN1154, or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN1154, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1158, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to thesystem bus 1108 via the serial port interface 1142. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1102, orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1150. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexemplary and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer 1102 is operable to communicate with any wireless devicesor entities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., aprinter, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable dataassistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or locationassociated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand,restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefinedstructure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoccommunication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from acouch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work,without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in acell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send andreceive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a basestation. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b,g, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. AWi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to theInternet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet).Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, atan 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, orwith products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks canprovide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wiredEthernet networks used in many offices.

Referring now to FIG. 12, there is illustrated a schematic block diagramof an exemplary computing environment 1200 in accordance with thesubject innovation. The system 1200 includes one or more client(s) 1202.The client(s) 1202 can be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads,processes, computing devices). The client(s) 1202 can house cookie(s)and/or associated contextual information by employing the innovation,for example.

The system 1200 also includes one or more server(s) 1204. The server(s)1204 can also be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads, processes,computing devices). The servers 1204 can house threads to performtransformations by employing the innovation, for example. One possiblecommunication between a client 1202 and a server 1204 can be in the formof a data packet adapted to be transmitted between two or more computerprocesses. The data packet may include a cookie and/or associatedcontextual information, for example. The system 1200 includes acommunication framework 1206 (e.g., a global communication network suchas the Internet) that can be employed to facilitate communicationsbetween the client(s) 1202 and the server(s) 1204.

Communications can be facilitated via a wired (including optical fiber)and/or wireless technology. The client(s) 1202 are operatively connectedto one or more client data store(s) 1208 that can be employed to storeinformation local to the client(s) 1202 (e.g., cookie(s) and/orassociated contextual information). Similarly, the server(s) 1204 areoperatively connected to one or more server data store(s) 1210 that canbe employed to store information local to the servers 1204.

What has been described above includes examples of the innovation. Itis, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination ofcomponents or methodologies for purposes of describing the subjectinnovation, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that manyfurther combinations and permutations of the innovation are possible.Accordingly, the innovation is intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: under control of one or moreprocessors configured with executable instructions: presenting adashboard display including multiple objects on a display of a computingdevice; modeling data stored in a database or a spreadsheet by themultiple objects using one or more graphical controls in the dashboard,the modeling comprising dynamically adjusting the data stored in thedatabase or the spreadsheet responsive to graphical manipulation of themultiple objects using the one or more graphical controls, the graphicalmanipulation comprising receiving a selection of an object of themultiple objects without typing of data for the object; and in responseto receiving the selection of the object, providing visual indicationsof which one or more other objects of the multiple objects would beaffected in response to a change in the selected object, wherein thevisual indications include a change in size and a change in color of theone or more other objects of the multiple objects that would be affectedin response to the change in the selected object.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising determining the one or more other objects of themultiple objects that would be affected in response to the change in theselected object based on relationships between the multiple objects andthe selected object in the database or the spreadsheet.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising prior to changing the selected object,notifying a user of an extent to which the change in the selected objectwould impact the one or more other objects of the multiple objects afterthe selected object was changed.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereinreceiving the selection of the object comprises receiving an indicationof hovering a mouse or pointer over the object.
 5. The method of claim1, further comprising providing one or more new controls for graphicallymanipulating the selected object based on a data type of the selectedobject.
 6. A system comprising: a processor; memory communicativelycoupled to the processor; a dashboard component stored in the memory andexecutable on the processor that is configured to: present a dashboarddisplay including multiple objects; consolidate one or more graphicalcontrols usable for graphically manipulating the multiple objects basedon an identity of a user; receive a selection of an object of themultiple objects without typing of data for the object, the selection ofthe object is received by using the one or more graphical controls; andin response to receiving the selection of the selected object in thedashboard display and prior to graphically manipulating the selectedobject in the dashboard display, visually indicating one or more otherobjects of the multiple objects in a display that would be affected ifthe selected object was changed, wherein visually indicating includes achange in size and a change in color of the one or more other objects ofthe multiple objects that would be affected if the selected object waschanged; and a data management component stored in the memory andexecutable by the processor that is configured to enable graphicallydisplaying and graphically manipulating data maintained in a databaseassociated with the system via the multiple objects in the dashboarddisplay and dynamically modifying the data maintained in the database inresponse to graphical manipulation of one or more of the multipleobjects in the dashboard display.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein thedata management component is further configured to change the one ormore other objects based on relationships between the one or more otherobjects and the selected object in response to changing the selectedobject.
 8. The system of claim 6, further comprising a graphicalmanipulation component stored in the memory and executable on theprocessor that selects a set of controls for graphically manipulatingthe selected object based on an identity of a user.
 9. The system ofclaim 6, further comprising an analysis component stored in the memoryand executable on the processor that establishes scopes of change of theone or more other objects in view of a change in the selected object.10. The system of claim 6, further comprising an inference enginecomponent stored in the memory and executable on the processor thatemploys a probabilistic analysis and/or a statistical-based analysis toinfer an action that a user desires to be automatically performed. 11.The system of claim 6, further comprising a model component thatincludes a plurality of data relationships between the multiple objects.12. One or more storage devices configured with computer-executableinstructions that, when executed by one or more processors, configurethe one or more processors to perform acts comprising: modeling datastored in a database or a spreadsheet by multiple objects, the modelingcomprising dynamically adjusting the data stored in the database or thespreadsheet responsive to graphical manipulation of the multipleobjects; presenting a dashboard display including the multiple objects;receiving a selection of an object of the multiple objects withouttyping of data for the object, the selection of the object is receivedby using one or more graphical controls; and in response to receivingthe selection of the object and prior to changing the selected object,providing visual indications of one or more other objects of themultiple objects that, if changed, would have an impact on the selectedobject, wherein the visual indications includes a change in size and achange in color of the one or more other objects of the multiple objectsthat would be affected if the selected object was changed.
 13. The oneor more storage devices of claim 12, the acts further comprisingdetermining the one or more other objects of the multiple objects that,if changed, would have the impact on the selected object based onrelationships between the multiple objects and the selected object. 14.The one or more storage devices of claim 12, the acts further comprisingin response to receiving the selection of the object, visuallyindicating one or more objects of the multiple objects that would beaffected in response to the selected object being changed.
 15. The oneor more storage devices of claim 14, the acts further comprising priorto changing the selected object, notifying a user of an extent of impacton the one or more objects that a change in the selected object wouldhave.
 16. The one or more storage devices of claim 12, wherein receivingthe selection of the object comprises receiving an indication ofhovering a mouse or pointer over the object.
 17. The one or more storagedevices of claim 12, the acts further comprising providing one or morecontrols for graphically manipulating the selected object based on aninference of an action that a user desires to be automaticallyperformed.